Schumer pushing for release of Syracuse native being held captive in Syria

N.Y. Senator Charles Schumer is pressing for the release of a Syracuse native being held captive in Syria.

Abdelkader Charr has been in custody in Syria since January 8th, his uncle told officials. Schumer spoke with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Sunday evening. He says high ranking officials at the State Department are working to learn more about Charr’s condition, but it’s difficult to get information.

“Because of the turmoil in Syria, because our embassy is not functioning fully because our people are at risk it’s hard, but she assured me they are doing everything they can to find out his exact location and what has happened to him," said Schumer. "They have some details, but can’t make those public because that might jeopardize him in one way or another.”

Charr is in his early 20’s. He moved with his family to Syria when he was six. He has an uncle still living in Liverpool.

Syria is in the middle of a violent uprising between citizens and the government. Senators Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have proposed a new round of sanctions against the Syrian government.